Nitrogen (N)normally forms only three covalent bonds because it has a valence of five.However,ammonium has four covalent bonds,each to a different hydrogen (H)atom (H has a valence of one).Make a sketch of this molecule.Count the number of electrons in your sketch.Compare this number to the number of valence electrons in one N and four H's.What do you predict to be the charge on this molecule?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Ammonium (NH4+) has a total of 9 valence electrons (5 from N and 1 from each of the 4 H atoms). However, it forms 4 covalent bonds, using 8 electrons, and has one extra proton, resulting in a +1 charge.

Nitrogen (N)normally Forms Only Three Covalent Bonds Because It Has